Danville, KY. — February 4, 2026- When Tom nearly ended a promising romance over a spilled milkshake in his 1952 Buick, he had no idea he was standing at the very beginning of a 68-year love story.
Today, Tom and Janice are residents at Morning Pointe of Danville, where their lifelong partnership and shared history continue to be part of their daily life.
Looking back on that early moment, Tom summed it up: “But she was worth keeping.”
That decision turned out to be the start of a marriage that has now spanned nearly seven decades. Together, the couple has four children, nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and more memories than either could count.
Tom and Janice met while Tom was a freshman at the University of Kentucky. His cousin, who attended St. Joseph School of Nursing, introduced him to Janice. After dating for four years, the couple married in 1958, beginning a life rooted in faith, family, and a shared sense of humor.
Much of their married life was spent on a farm, where even anniversaries came with surprises. One year, their wedding anniversary coincided with the delivery of a brand-new manure spreader.
It didn’t have a bow or ribbon, but the couple still laughs about such an “amazing” anniversary gift.
Today, what they appreciate most about one another reflects a partnership shaped by care and character. Janice, a retired registered nurse, has always been the caregiver — not just to Tom, but to their family and friends. She describes Tom as kind, considerate, dependable, and a man of integrity.
Through illness, challenges, and life’s many seasons, their mutual Catholic faith has been the foundation that held them steady. Having Christian beliefs instilled since birth, they say, has seen them through illness and challenges.
When asked for their advice on a long and happy marriage, their answer is simple and hard-earned.
Be considerate of each other after having a long engagement, and learn the values of each partner. Being able to communicate calmly and have a good sense of humor will see you through the years.
After 68 years, one spilled milkshake, and countless shared moments, Tom and Janice’s love story proves that patience, faith, and laughter can carry a marriage a lifetime — and then some.
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states, including AL, GA, IN, KY & TN. For more information, visit morningpointe.com.
The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide clinical scholarships and caregiver support.
